Skip to the main content
Go to the search page

Key details

Course area
Early Years and Education
Student type
University Level
Course type
Part-time University Level course
Course level
Level 5

Course introduction

If you’re currently working in a school in Key Stage One or Two, this course will allow you to progress your career towards Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) following successful completion of the foundation degree and a top-up year to achieve a full degree.

During the course you’ll be able to relate assignments and study to the Key Stage(s) that you are working in.

You could pursue Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status whilst studying on the course.

You’ll need to work for at least ten hours per week in a suitable post. A statement of support and commitment from your employer/ mentor stating that they will be able to meet the full range of roles and responsibilities in the workplace will be needed.

We are one of the largest providers of Level 3 Teaching Assistant/ Supporting Teaching and Learning qualifications in the East Midlands. This programme builds on the success of this outstanding provision.

We have worked with local authorities in planning this course to ensure it is meeting the needs of practitioners who are involved in this changing role.

You’ll study the following subjects:

  • Study skills and current initiatives
  • Personal development and professional practice
  • Understanding and supporting literacy and numeracy skills
  • Anti-discriminatory practice
  • Assessment for learning
  • Development and wellbeing
  • Understanding and supporting science in the curriculum
  • Safeguarding children - child protection
  • Meeting individual needs
  • Managing behaviour
  • Working with parents and carers to support children
  • Educational concepts
  • Managing your professional role

Timetable (subject to change)

The current timetable is as follows but this is subject to change:

  • Thursday 16:15 – 20:30
  • Plus self directed study

Please note: Some classes may be delivered online.

Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes. You can read more about this on the Office for Students website.

You can view the course specification here.

Course information

3 years

Foundation Degree in Supporting Teaching and Learning in School

You will need a minimum of 48 UCAS points from: 

  • At least two A Levels at A2
  • BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Access to HE Diploma

A level 3 qualification in Early Years, Childcare and Education or Supporting Teaching and Learning is most desirable.

Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.

We would expect students to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy.

Mature applicants with relevant professional experience and/or qualifications are welcome to apply.

Each assessment will be related to your professional role.

The programme will use a variety of assessment methods to ensure that you adequately cover each of the learning outcomes.

You could continue your studies to obtain a BA (Hons) degree and then, if you wish, progress on to a primary teacher training programme to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

This course is awarded by Nottingham Trent University.

Nottingham Trent University logo

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

View our TEF assessment (opens in a new window/tab) Learn more about the TEF (opens in a new window/tab)

Careers related to this course

Teaching Assistants

Potential Earnings

£25,648.03

Average Earnings

£18,083.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Education Assessment and Support Services

People in these occupations administrate activities in educational institutions, assess and inspect quality, plan classes and curriculum, and advise students.

Skills

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

BA (Hons) Applied Education Studies Degree (Level 6) - Full-time

FdA Early Years Studies Foundation Degree (Level 5) - Part-time